Andrew Abbott's Blog

Thursday, 8 December 2011

Lincolnshire this week.

Last weekend we had the Lincoln Christmas Market. This week we have the inquest. It was too successful! 200000 people squeezed into the Castle Square area over the four day market prompting complaints that it was overcrowded. The City Council are pondering whether the event could take place over a longer period or over a greater area although it would be hard to see where. Still it’s better to have problems of this nature than the problem of last year, cancellation due to the weather.

The Red Arrows have been cleared to fly again after a safety review following the latest tragedy but mystery still surrounds the exact cause of the accident caused by an ejector seat malfunction. However the Ministry of Defence have now said that the Hawk T1’s can resume flying without restrictions.

A charity for the homeless operating in Lincolnshire has received counterfeit clothing seized by customs or trading standards. Instead of destroying the dud labels the outfits are re-labelled with the name of the charity, His Church and distributed to homeless people. The latest consignments are Tommy Hilfiger fakes which were bought in good faith by a French supermarket. The dupe was soon discovered but instead of ditching the jeans they have been given to the needy. Charity coordinator Richard Humphrey told the BBC His Church had persuaded British Trading Standard authorities to hand over 90% of goods confiscated to the charity:-

"It's all come round in a virtuous circle," says Richard. "It's a genuinely inspired idea which we've put into practice by faith and it's just borne fruit."

It’s been revealed that a Lincolnshire chippie is producing some of the healthiest fish and chips in the country. Kingfisher Food’s mobile trailer which operates from Bassingham and Skellingthorpe’s village hall car parks serves food which research has shown to be 93.5% fat free.

Mick O'Carroll, a partner in Kingfisher said: "The saturates in our fish, chips and mushy peas are only 20 per cent of the average portion tested by the lab.

Local bus provider, Stagecoach has revealed a fall of 18% in its profits due to a loss at its East Midlands Trains franchise. The group, which runs buses in Lincoln and other parts of the county still managed to make a healthy £88.7 million profit though which will mystify residents on the coast who have seen their evening service to Skegness discontinued for the winter due to a loss of subsidy from Lincolnshire County Council. Locals from one of the poorest areas of the country, many unable to afford a car now find themselves hibernating until spring brings a resumption of the service. Ingoldmells resident Dawn Watson told BBC Lincolnshire:-

"This week I wanted to take the children to see the live reindeer in Skegness but I will have to rush back to make sure I get the last bus as we can't afford the taxi fares."

Having sold their car as they could not afford it the family thought they would be able to rely on public transport.

"There are a lot of low income families around here and a lot of people feel trapped in their homes in the winter. We feel as if we have been left behind," she said

Finally two Gainsborough Police Community Support Officers have been inspired by Matt Bakers epic Edinburgh To London rickshaw ride and have persuaded colleagues to cycle with them to Lincoln to take part in the annual Santa Fun Run. Chris Pearson and Penny Smith rode part of Matt Baker’s route with him through Lincolnshire . Following the 17 mile trip to Lincoln the five strong police team will be donning their Santa suits this weekend and are saying to Gainsborough residents “let’s be ‘avin’ yer ....money!” They will be raising cash for a number of local charities – including the British Heart Foundation, Samaritans and St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice in Grimsby.

Whether you’ll be out and about or keeping by the fire, have a good weekend.

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About Me

I began writing with Give Me Football, the official website of the Professional Footballers Association. I have also written for Lincoln City Mad and Lincoln Vitals. I also collaborated on Deranged Ferret, a Lincoln City fanzine. I ride my bike, grow vegetables and bake bread.Occasionally I'm on BBC Radio Lincolnshire Sports Special.
Follow me on twitter @andrewhykeham